ATKINS — Cowboys and cowgirls from around the Arkansas River Valley are scheduled to compete in the 22nd annual Arkansas Children’s Hospital Rodeo Benefit on June 30 at the Atkins Rodeo Arena.

Last year the annual rodeo raised $12,000 for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and co-organizers Richie Schmoll and Mark Tucker said they expect even more participation and support this year.

“That’s a pretty good sum for one night,” Schmoll said. “Many of the event winners donated their prize money back to the cause. It really is a fun community event and also a great way to support the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.”

The rodeo has events for cowboys, cowgirls and the little cowpokes. The rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. with the mutton busting event, or sheep riding, for the younger cowboys and girls.

For those unfamiliar with mutton busting, sheep are put in the bucket shoots, just like the bulls, and then the little ones are sat on top and the shoot opens and then the fun and laughs begin.

“It is kind of like bull riding for little kids,” Tucker said. “When the sheep come out of the shoot, the kids hang on for dear life. They just love it.”

Schmoll and Tucker said sheep riding is a great way for the younger kids to participate in the rodeo and introduces them to the adult rodeo riding events.

For the kids who want to participate, but aren’t quite ready to brave the bucking sheep, there is also a sheep scramble. During the sheep scramble, ribbons are tied around the tails of sheep and then the children enter the arena to pull the ribbon off to win a prize.

Similar to the the sheep scramble, but for daring cowgirls, is the women’s steer scramble. Tucker said a ribbon is tied around the horn of several steers, which are then let loose in the arena. Women, 18 and older, are invited to enter the arena to pull the ribbons from the horns.

“The rodeo really does have something for everyone,” Schmoll said. “We have the bull and bronc riding, which are always a draw, but then we also have the events for the kids too. That’s what makes a great family event.”

Schmoll has been with the event since its inception and said every year he tells his daughter he is handing the reins to her. So far that has been all talk. Schmoll’s daughter said her dad and Tucker, who has helped organize the event for 21 years, enjoy the event as much as its supporters.

“Everybody knows someone who has been helped by Children’s Hospital,” Tucker said. “There are people who attend every year that never attend any other rodeos. People really want to support the cause.”

Cowboys and cowgirls can also enter to win a prize in bronc riding, wild bronc saddling, team roping, barrel racing, barrel pick-up and bull riding. Entries fees for each event will be collected at the gate. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children and children und6er are admitted free.

Schmoll said all proceeds benefit the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“Everything goes to them,” Schmoll said. “The entries fees, admission, T-Shirt sales and concession sales all benefit the hospital. We want to give as much as we can.”

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Benefit Rodeo

7:30 p.m., June 30, Atkins Rodeo Arena

Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children and children under 6 are free.